On December 21st, 2022, Derek Kenneth Jeske found his final peace.

In honor of Derek's amazing life, the family would like to invite you to donate to raise funds to erect a memorial in his honor.

Derek found his true calling late in life in a job that filled his soul with joy. A job he wanted to come to every day and work extra hours. A job that gave him a new community of like-minded nature lovers. As a member of the Urbana park district, Derek had the opportunity to beautify outdoor spaces and reconnect with the natural world in a way that calmed his restless spirit.

Derek believed strongly in the healing power of nature. He often found solace in the wilderness. Whether it was the loud forest, a calm river, the dusty desert, or the raging coastline, Derek traded his worst days for peace simply by immersing himself in a beautiful, raw scene of flora and fauna and devoid of the trappings of society.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to Derek's memorial fund. All proceeds will be used to place a bench and plaque honoring Derek in one of his favorite parks in Urbana, so that others may sit to find their own peace and discover the restorative power of nature.